Background: Sleep is a natural phenomenon essential for rejuvenating the body, promoting good health, upholding memory, performance, and maintaining overall health. Its deprivation is linked to the increased health risk that leads to poor quality of life and negative socioeconomic consequences. While behavioral techniques, such as improving sleep hygiene, are typically the first-line of intervention, pharmaceutical drugs are frequently used as adjuncts. However, for most, besides being too expensive, the long-term use of these drugs is marred by their severe adverse side effects and crippling dependency. As a result, significant numbers of patients are always in search for a safe and efficacious alternative from natural sources. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the effects of UP165, a Zea mays (commonly known as corn) leaf extract standardized for 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone content, on sleep latency and sleep time in pentobarbital-induced mouse sleep model. The extract was orally administered at 250 mg/kg (low dose), 500 mg/kg (mid dose), and 1000 mg/kg (high dose) daily for 32 days. The immediate impact of the extract on sleep was also assessed. Results: Increases of 11.6 ± 0.2 (P = 0.008), 10.2 ± 2.4 (P = 0.022), and 10.5 ± 0.9 (P = 0.017) minutes in sleep time were observed for the 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg UP165 treated mice compared to vehicle control, respectively. Up to 67% sleep latency incidence was observed for mice treated with UP165 compared to the 20% in the vehicle control group. UP165 showed no immediate drowsiness effect. No differences in baseline and end of study bodyweight were observed between groups. Conclusion: UP165 could be used as an adjunct for a sleep disorder.
Abbreviations used: UP165-Maizinol, 6-MBOA-6-methoxybenzoxazolinone, SAMe-S-Adenosyl Methionine, GABA-gamma-aminobutyric acid, SK2 channel-Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels.

Background:Schinus molle Linn. (Anacardiaceae) is a medicinal plant used by traditional healers in Mexican traditional medicine as antitumoral. Objective: This study was undertaken to obtain information that support the traditional use of the leaves from S. molle as antitumoral. Material and Methods: Antilymphoma properties of the ethanol extract of the leaves from S. molle (EELSm) and rutin were made on athymic CD-1 nu/nu and CD-1 mice inoculated with U-937 cell line (human leukemic monocyte lymphoma [HLML]), and for their antiproliferative effects on U-937 cell line by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Furthermore, the extract and rutin were tested for brine shrimp (BS) toxicity test. In addition, HPLC analysis was realized to known the content of rutin in the leaves from S. molle. Results: An EELSm and rutin exhibited important cytotoxic effects on U-937 cells line (IC50from 172.0 μg/mL and 9.6 μg/mL, respectively) and showed in vivo antitumoral properties on HLML in two murine models (EC50from 52.2 and 9.5 mg/kg to CD-1 nu/nu mice; EC50from 99.4 mg/kg and 6.8 mg/kg to CD-1 mice, respectively). In addition, both showed strong lethality on BS larvae (LC50≤ 22.2 μg/mL). The result of HPLC showed that rutin was the major constituent of EELSm. Conclusions: These test results support traditional medicinal use of S. molle as antitumoral and also suggest that both rutin and EELSm possess antitumor effect on HLML in murine models. Finally, rutin may play an important role in anticancer properties of S. molle.
Abbreviations used: EELSm: Ethanol extract of the leaves from S. molle, HLML: Human leukemic monocyte lymphoma, HPLC: High pressure liquid chromatography, BS: Brine shrimp, BSLT: BS lethality test, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, MTT: 3 (4,5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide.

Background: Natural oils have a variety of pharmaceutical applications. They can be used in the preparation of a formulation which is beneficial as addictives and also pharmacological agents. One of such medicinally important plants is Moringa oleifera.Objective: The current investigation mainly focuses on the development of anti-inflammatory cream using Moringa seed oil and its pharmacological evaluation. Materials and Methods: The oil was extracted from Moringa seeds using cold pressing technique and then subjected to phytochemical screening which revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. Various creams were prepared with alkali saponification of free fatty acids present in the oil to get o/w type of emulsion type cream. Various physicochemical tests such as the determination of viscosity, pH, irritancy, dye test, and accelerated stability studies were performed for the prepared creams. Results: Of all the creams, the formulation MF4prepared with 500 mg potassium hydroxide was suitable for all acceptable characteristics of o/w type emulsion type of cream. The in vitro diffusion studies were carried out using Franz diffusion cell. The extracted oil was also subjected to various characterization studies such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The ex vivo anti-inflammatory activity was carried out using heat-induced hemolysis and protein denaturation techniques. Whereas in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was performed on male Albino rats using paw edema technique. A significant 70% reduction in paw edema was observed. Conclusion: Thus, the current research reveals the novel formulation with traditional Moringa oil having anti-inflammatory potency.
Abbreviations Used: FT-IR: Fourier Transform Infra Red; GC-MS: Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy; HPTLC: High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography; MF4 - Moringa oleifera formulated cream.

Background: Genus Senecio is known by its phenolic constituents, terpenoids, essential oil (EO), and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. No previous reports could be traced about the phytochemical study of Senecio acaulis. Objectives: To investigate the chemical composition and biological potentiality of EO of S. acaulis aerial parts and to study the phytoconstituents of the plant extract and its spasmolytic activity. Materials and Methods: The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In-vitro screen of antimicrobial, antimalarial, and antileishmanial activities was determined against positive controls. Column chromatography was used to isolate the phytoconstituents from chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions; their structures were elucidated using physical and spectral methods. Spasmolytic activity was measured before and after K+-induced contractions on isolated rabbit jejunum. DNA-fingerprint was established by RAPD-PCR technique using 12 primers. Results: The study of EO revealed the detection of 22 compounds representing 81.08% of the oil composition. The major constituents were D-limonene (13.32%), β-pinene (11.54%), and sabinene (10.79%). Eight compounds were isolated from the plant extract and identified as β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, lupeol, oleanolic acid, β-amyrin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin. The oil exhibited moderate antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The oil showed a significant antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Cryptococcus neoformans and weak antileishmanial activity. In isolated rabbit jejunum, the ethanol extract produced a relaxation of spontaneous and moderate effect against high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions. Amplification of DNA yielded 87 RAPD fragments. Conclusion:Senecio acaulis(L.f.) Sch.Bip essential oil can be used as antimicrobial agent againstStaphylococcus aureus and Cryptococcus neoformans. In addition, the spasmolytic activity of its ethanolic extract suggests its incorporation in antidiarrheal preparations. Further clinical trials are required to evaluate these effects on humans. Identification of twenty two compounds in its essential oil, isolation of eight compounds for the first time as well as authentication of the plant via DNA finger print may play an important role in its chemotaxonomic classification.
Abbreviations Used: EO: Essential oil, GC: Gas Chromatography, GC-MS: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry, ETOAc: Ethyl acetate, SEM: Standard error mean, RRI: Relative retention indices, SI: Selectivity Index, D6: chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum, W2: chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum. SI: selectivity index, IC50, IC90: concentration that affords 50 and 90% inhibition, respectively, 1H-NMR: Proton Nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C-NMR: Carbon-13 Nuclear magnetic resonance.

Background: Our research group previously characterized the antioxidant and gastroprotective effects of Struthanthus marginatus (Loranthaceae), a medicinal herb used in Brazil as a healing agent. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition of aqueous extract of S. marginatus (AESm), as well as the mechanisms underlying its gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties using different protocols in mice. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry/diode array detection analyses to evaluate the chemical composition of AESm were conducted. The antisecretory activity (basal or stimulated) was determined using the pyloric ligature method. The gastroprotective action of nitric oxide and sulfydryl groups (–SH groups) were evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. The healing ability was evaluated using an acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer. Results: Chromatographic analyses of AESm permitted to identify several compounds, including 3-trans-caffeoylquinic acid (3-trans-CGA), quercetin, and kaempferol as the major constituents. Oral treatment of animals with AESm (500 mg/kg/day) reduced the severity of ethanol-induced gastric damage similar to omeprazole and in a more pronounced manner than 3-trans-CGA. Such effect was significantly reduced in animals pretreated with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. In addition, AESm inhibited gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated mice stimulated with histamine or pilocarpine similar to atropine or cimetidine, respectively. A decrease in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers similar to that promoted by cimetidine was also observed. Conclusion: The results show that S. marginatus is rich in flavonoids and that these compounds contribute directly to the gastroprotective and ulcer healing effects of this herb. The inhibition of gastric secretion is the possible gastroprotective mechanism.
Abbreviations Used: AESm: Aqueous Extract of S. marginatus; 3-trans-CGA= 3-trans-caffeoylquinic acid.

Background: Dates are a plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae and is used as staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years. Aim: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of ajwa dates extract (ADE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on mice mode through different groups as control group without treatment of CCl4, ADE and CCl4-treated group, and CCl4-treated group only. Results: This finding demonstrated that histological alterations including degeneration, congestion and infiltration of lymphocytes were seen in the liver tissue in CCl4-treated groups. However, ADE-treated groups showed protection to attenuate CCl4-induced liver toxicity through maintenance of architecture of hepatocytes as evident of congestion, necrosis, and degeneration was not noticed. Moreover, a few number of infiltrations of lymphocytes were noticed in ADE-treated groups. However, expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein was evaluated in all groups, and it was observed that PTEN was highly expressed in control group and ADE-treated group. Whereas, PTEN expression was also observed in CCl4-treated group, but out of eight cases, one case showed less expression of PTEN protein. The difference in expression pattern of PTEN protein in CCl4-treated group and ajwa-treated group was statically insignificant (P > 0.05). VEGF was not expressed in control and ajwa-treated group. While expression of VEGF protein was observed in CCl4-treated group, and it was noticed that two out of eight cases showed expression of VEGF protein. Conclusion: The findings supported the idea that ADE might reduce liver tissue alterations or maintenance of architecture of hepatocytes. Ajwa dates-treated group showed decreased in the VEGF expression and such angiogenesis process involve in migration and differentiation of endothelial cells as well as prevent the loss of PTEN protein expression.
Abbreviations Used: CCl4: Carbon Tetrachloride, VEGF: Vascular Endothelial Growth factor, IHC: Immunohistochemistry TUNEL assay: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, H and E: Hematoxylin-eosin staining, ADE: Ajwa dates extract.

Background:Biophytum sensitivum Linn. DC is considered as one of the ten sacred plants called as “Dasapushpam” of Kerala state in India. Grounded leaves of this plant have been used conventionally as antiurolithic and diuretic. 'However, enough scientific evidences were not available about the effect of this plant as nephroprotective and antiurolithic. Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate antiurolithic and antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of whole plant B. sensitivum Linn. DC (EEBS) on ethylene-glycol (EG)-induced urolithiasis in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: EG 0.75% v/v in drinking water was fed to all groups, except the control group for 28 days to induce urolithiasis in rats. Groups I, II, and III served as control, toxic control, and standard Cystone groups, respectively. Animals in Group IV were administered with EEBS from 15th day to 28th day, while Group V animals were administered with EEBS from 1st day to 28th day. Several renal functional and injury markers in urine and serum were determined. Antioxidant enzyme activities were also recorded. Results: Co-administration with EEBS exhibited protective effect against EG-induced proteinuria, hypercalciuria, hypomagnesuria hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia. Serum protein levels were significantly increased, whereas blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels were significantly lowered. EEBS-treated rats significantly attenuated the aberrations in the antioxidant enzyme activities, body weight, kidney weight, urine output, and urine pH compared to toxic control animals. Conclusion: Hence, this study confirmed the usefulness of B. sensitivum as an antiurolithic and antioxidant agent.
Abbreviations Used: EEBS: Ethanol extract of Biophytum sensitivum, EG: Ethylene-glycol, B.wt: Body weight, TP: Total protein, Ca: Calcium, Mg: Magnesium, BUN: Blood urea nitrogen, K.wt: Kidney weight, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, GPx: Glutathione peroxidase, GSH: Reduced glutathione, MDA: Malondialdehyde.

Background: Cancer diseases and microbial resistance are serious health disorders associated with oxidative stress and infectious diseases. Their risks can be reducing via using polyphenols-rich plants. Methodology: Different solvent extracts from two Cestrum species (Cestrum nocturnum and Cestrum elegans) were evaluated for their biological and chemical activities. Also, the chemical profiles of the most promising extracts were investigated via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fingerprint analyses. Results: The tested extracts showed weak to moderate cytotoxicity against Vero cell line with IC50values ranged from 133.67 μg/ml to 57.634 μg/ml. The only noncytotoxic extractive fraction was the dichloromethane extract of C. elegans leaves with an IC50value of 204.732 μg/ml, while the most toxic extract was the ethyl acetate extract of C. elegans flowers with an IC50value of 19.22 μg/ml. The antimicrobial activity results revealed that the n-BuOH extract of C. nocturnum was the most active against four tested microbial strains with inhibition zones (10–13 mm). Also, the water and n-BuOH extracts of C. elegans leave exhibited moderate activities with inhibition zones (7–9 mm), while for C. elegans flowers both of water and methanol extracts showed strong activities (9–14 mm). In the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, the most active fraction was EtOAc with IC50values of 100.52 μg/ml and 64.40 μg/ml for C. elegans leaves and flowers respectively, while for C. nocturnum the most active fraction was methanol with an IC50value of 161.16 μg/ml, all relative to 7.60 μg/ml of ascorbic acid. HPLC-fingerprint analyses revealed that the major identified compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of C. elegans flowers are caffeic acid, coumaric acid, vanillin, and rutin, while for the n-butanol extract of C. nocturnum leaves are coumaric acid and vanillin. Conclusion: The obtained results revealed that the two species can be used as natural sources of antioxidant compounds with low cytotoxic effect on the mammalian cell line.
Abbreviations Used: HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; IC50: Median inhibitory concentration; DPPH: 2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; ECACC: European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures; HEPES: 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid; GM: Growth medium; EDTA: Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid; MM: Maintenance media; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay; G+ve: Gram-positive; G−ve: Gram-negative; IP: Inhibition percentage; RP-HPLC: Reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography; DAD: Diode array detection; NCI: National Cancer Institute; DCM: Dichloro methane.

The two major forms of cholinesterase enzymes found in the mammalian brain are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). BuChE usually found mainly in glial cells and neuron in normal physiological condition, whereas AChE found near nerve synapse and axons, both are involved in the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain. The dual inhibition of these enzymes is considered as a promising strategy for the treatment of a neurological disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, ataxia, and myasthenia gravis. The objective is to study the dual anticholinesterase activity of ajoene using in silico and in vitro methods. The anticholinesterase activity of ajoene was evaluated using Ellman's assay, and molecular docking was performed on Schrödinger suite software. The present study demonstrated ajoene ([E, Z]-4, 5, 9-trithiadodeca-1, 6, 11-triene-9-oxide) inhibited both AChE and BuChE in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50value of ajoene was 2.34 mM for AChE and 2.09 mM for BuChE. Kinetic studies showed mixed noncompetitive inhibition of AChE and uncompetitive inhibition of BuChE. Molecular docking studies revealed that ajoene interacts hydrophobically with catalytic residues of AChE while in case of BuChE the interaction is through noncatalytic binding site residues. Ajoene exhibits dual inhibitory activity against both AChE and BuChE enzymes.
Abbreviations Used: AChE: Acetylcholinesterease; BuChE: Butyrylcholinesterase; AD: Alzheimer's disease; Ach: Acetylcholine; ChAT: Choline acetyltransferase; ATChI: Acetylthiocholine iodide; BuChI: Butyrylcholine iodide; DTNB: 5,5-Dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid; PDB: Protein data bank; RMSD: Root mean square deviation; OPLS: Optimized potentials for liquid simulations; ADME: Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion; DADS: Diallyl disulfide; QPlogPo/w: Predicted octanol/water partition coefficient; donorHB: Number of hydrogen bond donors; accptHB: Number of hydrogen bond acceptors; MW: Molecular weight of the compounds.

Background: Flaxseed is a highly important industrial and medicinal plant worldwide. Objective: To use inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) technique for making unique fingerprint for the four newly produced genotypes of flax in Egypt. Materials and Methods: The genetic diversity among four promising Egyptian flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes was premeditated by means of polymerase chain reaction-based ISSR markers. The phenotypic variation among the four flax genotypes, namely, promising strains 533/39/5/3 (F1), S.402/3/3/7 (F2), S.421/3/6/4 (F3), and S.11 (F4) was studied during the two successive winter seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 in randomized complete block design through four replications. Results: The promising strain (F3) surpassed the other flax genotypes regarding seed yield/feddan, oil yield/feddan, and oil percentage. Twelve ISSR primers were used for the genetic examination yielding 139 loci, of which 31 were polymorphic. The middling number of amplified loci and the middling number of polymorphic loci per primer were 11.6 and 2.6, correspondingly, while the percent of loci polymorphism ranged from 0.0% to 58.0% with a middling of 21.4% crosswise all the flax genotypes. The more informative primers were GAC (GATA)4and (GATA)4GC, while the less informative were (AC)8T and (GT)8G. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean derived dendrogram clearly discriminated the flax genotypes in three clusters. The Jaccard's similarity coefficient along with the genotypes ranged from 0.91 to 0.95. Conclusion: This study identified S. 421/3/6/4 (F3) strain to be the mainly assorted genotype and recommended its use in propagation programs and for upward mapping populations.
Abbreviations Used: CTAB: N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide; EDTA: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; ISSR: Inter Simple Sequence Repeat; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; RAPDs: random amplified polymorphic DNAs; RCBD: Randomized Complete Block Design; UPGMA: Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean; SSR: simple sequence repeat.